I have the thought of possibly getting a rabbit or two. This is not a for sure thing yet but I thought I would ask those in the know.

The goal for this rabbit would be as a pet but also I would like to show it. I nearly got rabbits to show in 4-H when I was a kid, but then my mom told me I had a choice between getting rabbits and getting a horse, soooo.....

What sort of things does a beginner need to know? Should I get a pair of rabbits? If so, they would be same sexed. I have read that Polish rabbits are good for beginners....any thoughts on Polish rabbits or any other breeds? Can they live in a hutch outdoors?

Your climate will determine whether they can be outdoors or not. In a mild temperate climate like in the NW they can be fine. Somewhere like Colorado though...

They need shelter from rain and wind though. You can put them on the sheltered side of a building, or convert a garage, barn, or shed into a rabbitry.

Edit: I've noticed that the larger breeds tend to be the more mellow, though they are all individuals. There isn't really a breed that's a bad beginner rabbit though. If I was you I'd just find a breed that I really liked, research it and try to meet some. I'm partial to silver fox and American chinchilla. Castor and otter colored rex are really pretty too.

I'd recommend you pick one you like and go with it. Look at what is popular in your area vs not so popular. Netherland dwarfs and NZW are popular basically everywhere, I think, so if you pick one of those breeds expect a lot of competition. Whereas if you pick a rare breed you might own the only rabbits in the class. I'd recommend picking a colored breed so you don't have to worry about pee stains :P

If you show you'll probably want to breed as well. So keep that in mind.

They can live in hutches (pending climate like Romy said), wire bottomed hutches keep them cleanest, though I doubt wire is particularly comfortable and can give them sores on their hocks. I know people keep them in outside in all-wire cages but personally I'd go with the more typical hutch with a "home" part.

I'd buy an x-pen or two for grazing/exercise.

Water bottle, rabbit pellets, nice hay. Veggies/grass.

ETA I was thinking about it and I guess my favorite rabbit for just a pet is the Jersey Wooly. You need to groom them every once in a while but they're fluffy and soft and IME very sweet tempered (with people and other bunnies).

I have Polish (and harlequins) and I don't find them to be high strung. If you're going to get a pair of rabbits definitely try to give them as much cage space as possible and be prepared to separate if they don't get a long.

There are some really great rabbit forums out there for people that enjoy all aspects of rabbit keeping.

They can live a long time (12 years), and need vet care. That's basically my extent of knowledge XD Oh, and you want to spay a female to majorly decrease the chances of cancer.

I had a rabbit as a kid, he was old and grumpy. LOL We put him on a leash and let him hop around the neighbourhood

__________________Ella: 3 year old female ferretNacho: ~8 year old male ferretApollo: 5 year old male ferretSummer: 5 year old female ferretGoodbye, Rosey. You were the best girl I could have asked for. 10/15/96-03/08/13

I've worked with lots of rabbits at work...my personal favorite is the Jersey Wooly too. They are always really really nice, though grooming for a show might be a challenge. I think Dutch are great too.

Dwarves don't do anything for me..though that usually goes for any dwarf animal . The Polish I've met have been so/so...one was really cool, some were a little spooky. My boss recently got an English Lop that was pretty awesome.